Each
month we discuss an issue of interest and importance, that affects
children and young people. At each conversation a speaker with expertise
or experience in a particular area will lead the conversation with a short
talk. The purpose of this series of conversations is to generate discussions,
broaden networks and develop possible strategies to further support or progress
issues of importance to children. Our last Lunchtime Conversation on The
Ingredients of a Child Safe Organisation was well attended and well received.

July’s
Conversation will be about

Cumulative
childhood trauma and its impact on educational outcomes. This upcoming
Lunchtime Conversation will be on held Wednesday 22nd July, between 13.00pm and
1400pm. It will be held at our office at 119 Macquarie Street,
Hobart.

In
Tasmania we are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of the need for
higher levels of participation in education. The next topic in this series of
conversations will focus on the impact of cumulative trauma on children and
young people and the impact this has on their education. More effective
support for this cohort of children will ensure greater numbers gain an
education. And thus go on to live happier, healthier and more productive lives.

Steve
Bentley - who has recently completed a Churchill Fellowship will be the
guest speaker and will give a 30 minute presentation on this
topic. The remainder of the session will be taken up with general
conversation related to this topic.

Please
RSVP by Monday 20th July 2015. Please note, places will be limited to the
first twenty five people or organisations who RSVP to this invitation. A
light lunch will be provided. If after accepting, you are unable to attend for
any reason can you please let us know so we can reallocate your place. RSVPs to
Linda Bowen. linda.bowen@childcomm.tas.gov.au,
Phone – 03 6233 4520.

3. TPPA – Things you need to know

Australian
Health Promotion Association

Dear Members

Deborah
Gleeson has prepared the following list of very important
developments we need to know about the TPPA (Trans Pacific Partnership
Agreement). The developments happening are listed below for your
information and action where you deem appropriate.

1.
Fast track: The US Senate passed the ‘fast track’ (Trade Promotion Authority)
legislation early yesterday morning.
CLICK HERE This has been the main barrier to concluding the TPP
negotiations, so they are now likely to be wrapped up in a matter of weeks
(although there are still some very contentious issues to be resolved). There
is no confirmed date yet for the ministerial meeting, although one news article
has suggested mid-July.

2.
Productivity Commission report: The Productivity Commission released a report
that is strongly critical of the Australian Government’s approach to trade
negotiations generally, and cast a lot of doubt on the claimed benefits of the
trade deals recently concluded. It was also highly critical of the TPP
negotiations and in particular the lack of transparency: "...the absence
of any rigorous and transparent assessment of the agreement before government
commitment is a critical failure in transparency." (p. 162). See Peter
Martin’s article in the SMH and chapters
4 and 7 of the PC Report.

3.
DFAT information sheet on TPP, and Médecins Sans Frontières' response: DFAT
has published a “fact” sheet about the TPP ... MSF has issued a media
release in response. Pat Ranald is also preparing a response.

Individuals
from different backgrounds, social groups, and countries enjoy different levels
of health. This article defines and distinguishes between unavoidable health
inequalities and unjust and preventable health inequities. We describe the
dimensions along which health inequalities are commonly examined, including
across the global population, between countries or states, and within
geographies, by socially relevant groupings such as race/ethnicity, gender,
education, caste, income, occupation, and more. Different theories attempt to explain
group-level differences in health, including psychosocial, material
deprivation, health behavior, environmental, and selection explanations.
Concepts of relative versus absolute; dose–response versus threshold;
composition versus context; place versus space; the life course perspective on
health; causal pathways to health; conditional health effects; and group-level
versus individual differences are vital in understanding health inequalities.
We close by reflecting on what conditions make health inequalities unjust, and
to consider the merits of policies that prioritize the elimination of health
disparities versus those that focus on raising the overall standard of health
in a population.

Health inequalities are systematic differences in
health among social groups that are caused by unequal exposure to—and
distributions of—the social determinants of health (SDH). They are persistent
between and within countries despite action to reduce them. Advocacy is a means
of promoting policies that improve health equity, but the literature on how to
do so effectively is dispersed. The aim of this review is to synthesize the
evidence in the academic and gray literature and to provide a body of knowledge
for advocates to draw on to inform their efforts.

This
briefing note briefly explains intersectionality and explores the potential of
an intersectional approach to reducing health inequalities.
Published in January 2015. Description. Download 668
K

Intersectionality
is a way to think about and act upon social inequality and
discrimination. It offers a promising approach to these issues within
public policy and within public health. This briefing note introduces the
approach and explores the potential contribution of intersectionality to
reducing health inequalities.

8. The socioeconomic gradient and chronic illness and associated
risk factors in Australia: how far have we travelled? Evidence from the ABS
National Health Survey series

Transnational
corporations (TNCs) are part of an economic system of global capitalism that
operates under a neoliberal regime underpinned by strong support from
international organisations such as the World Trade Organization, World Bank,
and most nation states. Although TNCs have grown in power and influence and
have had a significant impact on population health over the past three decades,
public health has not developed an integrated research agenda to study them.
This article outlines the shape of such an agenda and argues that it is vital
that research into the public health impact of TNCs be pursued and funded as a
matter of priority. The four areas of the agenda are: assessing the health and
equity impacts of TNCs; evaluating the

effectiveness
of government regulation to mitigate health and equity impacts of TNCs;
studying the work of activist groups and networks that highlight adverse
impacts of TNCs; and considering how regulation of capitalism could better
promote a healthier and more equitable corporate sector.

The Social Determinants of Health Advocacy Network held its inaugural conference in Hobart last November

Visit our website to view and download some of the presentations

Visit: http://sdohtasmania.org.au

.

What are the social determinants of health?

The word social relates to society and means people.

Determinants of health are - broadly speaking - the things that affect your health - either in a positive way (they protect our health and keep us healthy) or a negative way (they make us sick).

If we put these things together - the social determinants of health are things (systems, products, factors) created, shaped and controlled by people that affect our health.

These things include education, housing, employment, transport and so forth. These are created and shaped by people. And because if this it's possible to change them.

As an example, let's look at transport. We - the people - have created our transport systems. Not necessarily you or I personally but as a society we've done this. The problem is that there are many aspects of the system that are not great - many of our streets aren't cycle or pedestrian friendly, if you live in a rural area public transport options are limited, the number of cars on our roads isn't good for the environment and so forth. All of these things about the transport system can affect our health.

But the great thing is that, because we - the people - developed this system in the first place, we have the ability to change it - to make things better and to improve health as a result.

There are other determinants of health - such as our genes - that we can't change. So let's focus on the things we can do to improve health.

More formally, here's how the literature talks about the social determinants of health:

The social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, including the health system. These circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power and resources at global, national and local levels. The social determinants of health are mostly responsible for health inequities - the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between countries.

Here's a good place to start your reading:

A great publication on the social determinants of health is The Solid Facts.

Vision of the Network

All Tasmanians have the opportunity to live a long, healthy life regardless of their income, education, employment, gender, sexuality, capabilities, cultural background, who they are or where they live.

Membership

Membership of the Network is open to all Tasmanians who share this vision.

Membership is free of charge. Membership means you become a subscriber to our enews and that you get the opportunity to work with others who are part of this Network to undertake advocacy action.

Membership to the Network can be obtained by providing a name, organisation (where there is one but individuals can join as individuals), address, telephone and email address to the Facilitator by email:

socialdeterminantsofhealthtas@gmail.com

The Network currently has more than 220 members across Tasmania (as well as some interstate) from a broad range of sectors.

“The Commission’s main finding is straightforward. The social conditions in which people are born, live, and work are the single most important determinant of good health or ill health, of a long and productive life, or a short and miserable one. ……..This ends the debate decisively. Health care is an important determinant of health. Lifestyles are important determinants of health. ….But, let me emphasize, it is factors in the social environment that determine access to health services and influence lifestyle choices in the first place”.

Dr Margaret Chan, Director General, World Health Organisation.

Tasmanian Action Sheets on the Social Determinants of Health

Visit the Tasmania Council of Social Service website to download 10 action sheets on the social determinants of health in Tasmania.